How to Move Electric Service in Texas

Moving is always a hectic experience with a never-ending to-do list. In deregulated energy markets like Texas, a move also involves an important decision many people overlook: changing your electricity service.

In regulated states, utility service automatically follows your address. However, because of deregulation, many Texans have the power to choose their electricity provider. Your move is an opportunity to compare rates, avoid unnecessary fees, and make sure power is ready when you arrive.

Here are the most important things to know about moving your home electricity service in Texas — and how Choose Energy can help.

If you’re under contract, moving your electric service may give you the rare opportunity to switch providers without paying an early termination fee (ETF). Many Texas providers waive cancellation penalties when customers move outside their current service address, provided you submit proof of relocation.

Instead of simply transferring service, compare current rates first. Texas retail electricity providers (REPs) frequently adjust rates based on market conditions, so the plan you chose a year ago may no longer be the most competitive option.

Note: While Texans can choose their electricity provider in deregulated areas, your local utility company — such as Oncor, CenterPoint, or AEP Texas — will still handle power delivery and manage outages regardless of which retail provider you choose.

Many Texas electricity providers let you schedule service weeks in advance, sometimes up to 90 days before your move.

Having this window of time can be especially valuable during the high-demand summer months, when Texas electricity rates often rise due to increased air conditioning demand and grid pressure. If you know your move date early, locking in a plan ahead of time may help you avoid seasonal price spikes and secure a better long-term rate.

If you’re moving suddenly — or simply forgot to plan ahead — don’t worry. In Texas, many homes are already equipped with smart meters, which allow providers to activate service remotely and even schedule same-day service.

Providers often have daily enrollment cutoffs, so calling too late could delay service until the following day. If you’re moving on short notice, call ahead and confirm same-day connection deadlines.

Moving into a differently sized place, such as from an apartment to a larger house or vice versa, can dramatically change your electricity usage. As a result, a plan that worked well at your old address may not be the cheapest option at your new one.

Before you sign up for a new plan, estimate how your electricity usage may change. As a rough benchmark, the average four-person Texas household uses around one kilowatt-hour (kWh) per square foot each month, though insulation quality, air conditioning usage, and home size all play a role. For a rough idea of your new usage, you can use that as a baseline or review your current usage levels.

Even though Texans have the power to choose their plan and take control of their energy bills, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to stay with the same provider for years without realizing rates have changed.

Moving creates the perfect opportunity to compare plans based on:

• Fixed vs. variable rates
• Contract length
• Renewable energy options
• No-deposit and prepaid plans
• Current market pricing in your ZIP code

Even a small difference in electricity rates can have a significant impact over a 12- or 24-month contract. Think of it this way: The average Texas household uses 1,096 kWh per month, according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration. If you shave off just 3 cents per kWh from your electricity rate when moving, that’s $32.88 per month or almost $400 per year.

Note: When comparing plans, always review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Some low-advertised rates only apply at certain usage levels, meaning the cheapest plan on paper may not actually be the lowest-cost option for your household.

Moving in Texas often means making active decisions about your electricity service, unlike in many other states. Whether you’re transferring an existing plan or shopping for a new provider, avoiding a few common mistakes can make your move smoother and potentially save you money:

• Waiting until moving day to enroll
• Automatically transferring an old plan without comparing rates
• Forgetting to cancel electricity service at your previous address
• Choosing a plan without estimating usage in your new home
• Missing same-day connection enrollment deadlines
• Selecting a plan based only on advertised rates without reviewing the EFL

Who is Choose Energy?

Choose Energy is an online marketplace dedicated to educating visitors about energy deregulation and helping them find an energy plan that fits their needs. Our easy-to-use online marketplace identifies available suppliers, facilitates plan comparisons, and helps you sign up for service – all in a matter of minutes. We work with trusted providers including TXU Energy, Direct Energy, and Reliant Energy.

Why should I choose Choose Energy?

A move is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your electricity plan instead of automatically sticking with your current provider. Choose Energy helps make electricity moving easier by giving you one place to compare plans, lock in rates, and sign up with trusted Texas providers. Once you’re settled in, we’ll continue helping by tracking your contract and reminding you when it’s time to shop again.

How do I sign up for an electricity plan with Choose Energy?

We offer two convenient methods to sign up for an electricity plan: 1) You can enter your ZIP code on this page to explore plan options in your area at your own pace and use the filter tools to simplify your search. 2) You can call our team at the number on your screen for helpful, personalized guidance from an energy professional.

How do I transfer my electricity plan to a new address?

If your new address is still within your current provider’s service area, you can keep the plan you already have without any issues. This option is convenient if your new residence is a similar size to your previous home and/or you’re satisfied with your current setup. However, if you’re moving outside the provider’s service area, you’ll need to sign up for a different plan or provider that works for your budget and energy needs. Enter your ZIP code on this page to explore plans in your new area.

Which Texas energy providers offer same-day service?

Many of the top Texas electricity providers offer same-day service as long as you call before their cutoff times. Some of our top-rated providers offering same-day service include TXU Energy, 4Change Energy, Gexa Energy, and Express Energy.